``Ultra J'' is a project in which Japan's representative characters convey Japan's beauty and craftsmanship to the world. We will promote initiatives to ``invigorate Japan'' with the theme of ``Character x JAPAN'', such as traditional crafts, collaborative goods made in Japan, and local events.

From "Fist of the North Star" comes a collaboration with the southern local toy "Hachimanuma"!

What kind of thing is "Hachimanuma"? Hachimanuma is a traditional craft from Hachinohe, Aomori. There are several theories about its origin, one of which is that it originated from a carved wooden horse that became the basis for Hachimanuma, and the Hachinohe City tourist information site states that it has a history of about 700 years. According to the official website of Yahatauma Co., Ltd., which made this product, it was already made in the early Meiji era. A festival was held once a year at Kushihiki Hachimangu, the highest shrine in the southern region, and Hachiman horses were sold there. The method of making it was passed down to farmers, and it became popular as a side job during the farming off-season. In addition to being in demand for celebrations and souvenirs, Hachiman horses were also used as children's toys, placed on carts and pulled with strings. The three typical colors are black (deer hair), red (chestnut hair), and white (reed hair). This time's "Kuroo-go" is made with black as its main color.   And the other one is Heart-sama, who has become the traditional craft “Daruma Kokeshi”!

This "custom-made heart daruma" uses the techniques of Miyagi Prefecture's traditional craft, "Miyagi Traditional Kokeshi." By the way, kokeshi dolls have a long history, and the current shape of kokeshi dolls is said to have been completed about 283 years ago. Matsuda Kobo makes ``Naruko Kokeshi,'' one of Miyagi's traditional kokeshi dolls. How about taking this opportunity to try ``Traditional Crafts'' ✕ ``Fist of the North Star''?   Click here for Ultra J official website! Ultra J official online shop